In 2018, a group of friends gathered in a pub in Stoke Newington, feeling frustrated about the political turmoil following the Brexit referendum. They scrolled through their Twitter feeds and came up with an idea. This idea led them to climb a ladder on the A10 with a bucket of wallpaper paste, where they posted a giant tweet from David Cameron on a billboard in the middle of the night. This act went viral, gaining them 30,000 Twitter followers overnight and giving birth to Led By Donkeys.
Originally anonymous, Led By Donkeys aimed to use satire to expose lies and hypocrisy surrounding Brexit. However, the project expanded to target the Conservative government, Donald Trump’s administration, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The group gained attention by unveiling banners during speeches by Nigel Farage and Liz Truss, featuring images of Vladimir Putin and a lettuce with the words ‘I crashed the economy.’
Led By Donkeys embodies the spirit of ‘Just Doing Something.’ Co-founder Ben Stewart shares their journey in the first episode of season 2 of People Just Do Something. The project has gained traction and sparked conversations around political accountability and truth-telling.
The Bristol Cable, an independent investigative newsroom, emphasizes the importance of journalism in supporting democracy and holding those in power accountable. With over 2,600 members, The Bristol Cable produces award-winning journalism that delves deep into Bristol’s most pressing issues. The organization is committed to sustainability and invites the community to support their mission.
Listeners can tune in to Bristol Unpacked with ACORN’s Wesley Bear, a podcast episode exploring activism, the Barton House evacuation, and community relations with Bristol City Council. The episode sheds light on the complexities of community activism and the challenges faced by marginalized groups in the city.
The issue of access to green spaces has become more prominent during the pandemic, prompting discussions on land privatization and the act of trespassing as a form of resistance. Individuals are reevaluating their relationship with nature and advocating for equitable access to public lands.
Personal experiences of renting in Bristol have fueled campaigns for a fairer housing system. Individuals like Kate Bower are determined to advocate for change and challenge discriminatory practices within the rental market.
Extinction Rebellion Bristol has been at the forefront of environmental activism, drawing both admiration and criticism for their bold actions. The group’s efforts to raise awareness about climate change and challenge the status quo are highlighted through protests and acts of civil disobedience in Bristol.
Overall, grassroots movements like Led By Donkeys and Extinction Rebellion play a crucial role in shaping public discourse, holding authorities accountable, and advocating for social and environmental justice. Through community engagement and collective action, individuals are making a difference in their local communities and beyond.
